Assessment of novel hybrid treatment wetlands as nature-based solutions for pharmaceutical industry wastewater treatment
by RSS Media Centre
14th Oct 2023
Abstract
This study investigated the use of nature-based solutions for treating real pharmaceutical industry wastewater in Jordan. A pilot-scale hybrid treatment wetland (TW) equipped with local zeolite was employed, comprising a tidal flow TW and a horizontal subsurface flow TW. This system was efficient in treating pharmaceutical wastewater with removal efficiencies of 61.4%, 52.6%, 60.1%, and 61.9% for chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and NH4 +-N, respectively. The final effluent met Jordanian standards for the reuse of treated wastewater in irrigation (Class B). Five pharmaceuticals, namely, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, lincomycin, and trimethoprim, demonstrated nearly completed removal (93.6–99.9%). Moderated removal performances (59.2–68.2%) were observed for two compounds, flumequine and sulfaquinoxaline. However, three pharmaceuticals, namely, carbamazepine, diclofenac, and sulfadimidine, showed limited removal performances (1.1–20.5%). This study supported the feasibility of using nature-based solutions for treating pharmaceutical wastewater and highlighted that future studies are required to optimize this strategy for removing a broader range of pharmaceuticals.
Citation
Assessment of novel hybrid treatment wetlands as nature-based solutions for pharmaceutical industry wastewater treatment. O. Al-Mashaqbeh, L. Alsalhi, L. Salaymeh, and T. Lyu, Water Environ J., 2023, 1–9.
The Royal Scientific Society (RSS) is an independent non-governmental, not-for-profit multidisciplinary science institution established by Royal Charter. Founded in 1970 as a national organisation to actively advise and support the development of Jordan with sound technical and policy advice, and consultations. The RSS undertakes specialised and accredited testing, research work with local industries and universities, consultations for the private and public sectors, and works in partnership with regional and international organisations. Since its inception as a national and independent organisation, the prime objectives of the RSS have been to protect human health and safety, to safeguard the environment, and to contribute to sustainable economic development.